The recent warm weather has brought on good insect hatches on the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers.  But along with the warm temps, the Unc has come up a bit and the water clarity is slightly off.  No worries though, the fish are still eating.  If you haven't watched the weather reports, tomorrow, March 6th, is expected to get into the lower fifties and remain MOSTLY CLOUDY!  If you know anything about late winter fishing or early spring, this is IDEAL, IDEAL, IDEAL!!!!  There is no better word than PRIMO for these conditions.  This is what we wait for all winter.  If you have a chance, even if only a few hours, tomorrow will be worth it!  Today on the Unc, fish were taking #18 Copper Johns, red San Juan Worms, and Flash Back Pheasant Tails.  I have no doubts the selection of successful flies is much greater than this, but for me these all caught fish. 

The Gunny has been Funny.  One day it's great the next slow.  You never know what to expect on the famous Gunnison River.  One things for certain however, you'll enjoy being out.  Fish have consistently been taking red San Juan Worms, Pheasant Tails, RS2s, WD 40s, Zebra Midges, Brassies, black and red Chironomids.  Griffith's Gnats, and Biot Midges.  Sink em deep, cause that's where they have been holding and laying the most.  Occasionally, they pop the surface when the midges or BWOs are coming off, and that's when your Griffith's Gnats & BWO dries will do the trick.  Careful on the approach, cause the fish are really finicky and won't give you a second chance if you spook em. 

I believe spring may slowly be creeping in on us.  That means only one thing, BUGS and HUNGRY FISH. 

This has been an exceptional winter for fishing!  The Unc, Gunny, and the Taylor have been stellar and I am confident this will continue into spring.  Before too long, we'll be trekking the high country river banks, sneaking around lakes in search of the cruisin bruiser, and trying to figure out which natural fluttering around, is the meal of the day.  If you haven't tied your flies for the spring season, you might want to get started.  The bloomin is coming quick and it will be upon us before we know it.  

Although spring is rapidly approaching, we still have some good, solitary, uncrowded days left on the crystal clear waters.  Get your line wet before it's too late this winter!  If you didn't get a chance to hit the water this winter, all I can say is, YOU MISSED OUT!  But no worries, winter will come again next year, and in the mean time, we have a full year of living out our dreams on the water.  

 

Till next time 

 

I have had great days on the Gunnison River in the winter (Pleasure Park) , but this last Saturday had to be one of the best yet.  I arrived at the parking area around 0800 and the temperature gauge in my truck showed it 24 degrees (F). I wasn't too hopeful to catch many fish that early, as it was cold and pretty clear, but almost right off the bat I began getting hook-ups.  Red San Juan Worm on top as an attractor and a #20 black Zebra Midge as a dropper.  Nine foot leader tapered down to 5x, with about 18" below that for my dropper, again using 5x tippet.  Two #4 split shot about 12" above the San Juan Worm.  That caught fish the ENTIRE DAY! 

I hope everyone is taking advantage of this awesome time of the year to fish. You wont regret getting out!

As stated in a previous blog, the weather in Montrose has been wonderful so far this winter.  In some respects I guess this is bad, but for fishing it has been superb! Insects are coming off the water regularly, and the fish seem pretty active to just about whatever comes in front and often times above them.  Even with the awesome conditions however, you must never forget some of the most important fundamental principles of fly fishing, The Presentation, approach, and fly depth.  I know this has been preached into your souls by me, but it can't be stressed enough.  If there's a fish, he's hungry and accessible, good presentation, approach, and fly depth WILL bring him/her to the net.

In the winter, sometimes the principle of approach is the most difficult.  Lets face it, even though we're fishing for the enjoyment, we still love to catch fish.  often times I find myself blazing through steller lies or holding areas because I didn't glean a take or fish within the first few drifts.  When I find myself doing this, I have to grudgingly slow my pace down and refocus on the fundamentals.  When I do this, I find myself fishing smarter, and more methodical.  And to top it off, some of the fish find their way into my net. 

Success is often more about perseverance than anything else.  

Happy Drifts to you all!

 

AMAZING! A new year is now upon us and the anticipation and dreams of casting to sippin bows, browns, and cutts, are strong as ever.  But wait, if you haven't been in Montrose lately, it feels like Spring, bugs are out, and fish are taking on TOP!!  What a mild winter we have had so far!! Fine by me and I am sure by the rest of those who love to fish all year round. 

Fishing has been absolutely stellar on the Uncompahgre River this winter.  I am fully convinced that this river has one of the most productive Colorado fisheries all year round.  Consistent with great catches, bugs, and water flow.  No need to drop your fly size to the 22-26 range, because the fish readily take 16-20 ALL YEAR!  V-Rib (red), Hare's Ear, Flashback Pheasant Tail, Copper Johns (red, green, copper), JP's Copper, Palomino Midge (black, red), Biot Midges (brown, black, red), Brassie, Griffith's Gnat, San Juan Worm (red), Rs2 (red, black, grey), Wd 40s (red) have all been and will continue to be, AWESOME producers of fish this winter and throughout the year. Don't think these are the only flies that work however, dip into the box and experiment!  That's all part of the fun.  If you don't have any takes within thirty or so minutes with the new fly, switch it out and try something else.  

You want even a better time? Line up a two or three weight and see how a small fish can become a MONSTER!  Even with the mild winter, you'll probably still want to paste up your guides with Stanley's Ice Off.  When the sun goes behind the clouds, so does the warmth.  Remember even though it's mild, it's still winter. 

Again, the water is low and clear, so really pay attention to your approach and presentation.  If your casts are ugly and the fly sounds like a dolphin hitting the surface, you may want to practice your cast a little.  That doesn't mean give up though.  Just a little more cast practise.  If you're icing up a ton and are sick of breaking the ice out of the guides, just dip your rod (NOT YOUR REEL) in the water for a few seconds, pull it out, shake the rod a few times and you'll be ready for action once again. 

The most important thing to remember while out on the river is, HAVE FUN! Don't worry so much about catching, rather focus more on the experience your having.  I would recommend keeping a fishing journal of you trips.  Not only will you be able to look back on the flies and holes that were successful, but you'll also bring back those choice memories that we so often forget in this fast- paced, hectic world. 

FISH ON!!